Critics Ratings

'The best wines at Kleine Zalze are often the Chenin Blancs, and that’s the case here: weight, acidity, tropical mango and honeyed fruit, well integrated oak and a granitic, minerally core that keeps the finish fresh and focused.'- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 91/100'

'2013 result of multi-vineyard blending, partial wood ferment in various aged barrels, then 12 months more. Melon & stonefruit richness, some citrus peel, all brightened by acidity. Has great presence, just short of 2012 (5 stars).' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2013,4.5*

'Bar a 5 Star-rating in Platter’s, the Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013 from Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch has picked up just about every accolade possible for a wine: it recently won grand gold as well as being declared best white wine overall at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles while its achievements last year included gold at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, a place among the winners in the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge and the Collotype Grand Prix Trophy at the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards. 'I clearly like it as I was on both the Trophy Wine Show and Chenin Blanc Challenge panels that saw fit to reward it. Looking at it again over the week-end, my reflection was that it’s just about bullet-proof. A top-note of honeysuckle before citrus and peach plus a little spice and only the very vaguest hint of leesiness. The palate meanwhile shows excellent fruit concentration, bright acidity and well integrated oak –perfectly balanced and a wine of depth rather than weight.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100

'The 2013 Family Reserve Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc comes from three 40+-year old vineyards and is the second release of this wine. Matured for ten months in barrel, it has an upfront "nose" compared to the tauter 2014s, with peppermint-tinged, citrus fruit and dried honey. The palate is nicely balanced with very good weight and focus. The acidity is very well-judged and combines nicely with the vibrant, citrus fruit and stoniness on the reserved finish. Give this another 12 months to really show what it can do.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91/100

Provenance

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